In order for an OHS professional to adequately support an OHS program, it is necessary to possess business competencies. Possessing adequate business acumen enables the OHS professional to better understand the implications of OHS decisions to the business and enables the effective translation of OHS risk management goals into sound business decisions. Understanding how businesses function allows the OHS professional to better integrate OHS priorities into daily operational processes and long-term strategic goals. The fundamentals of business administration and operations which an OHS professional must understand include:

– Structures of business organization
– Accounting processes
– Effective communication and meeting practices
– Project planning and management
– Document management
– Operations management